Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

Yes. We the Citizens has shown that when people are given objective information and the opportunity to deliberate not only do they make informed decisions they also feel a greater connection to the democratic process. It is a matter of public record that citizens' assemblies work and that the expertise published by We the Citizens is free and publicly available to members of the House and to Government. In that regard, I welcome the comments by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, that he would look at this model of a citizens' assembly, the context of a constitutional convention and that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan's commitment to political reform is constant. I understand draft proposals regarding a constitutional convention will be published over the coming week and consultation will be sought with the Opposition on the format. Will the Leader ensure all leaders of parties and technical groups in the Seanad are consulted and given the opportunity to contribute to deciding the format of this convention? Will he also set aside time to debate this important and historic convention?